A naukri.com initiative
Earthsky
2M
363
Image Credit: Earthsky
Lightning strikes on Earth can trigger electron showers
- A new study reveals that lightning strikes on Earth can lead to electron showers from the Van Allen radiation belts encircling the planet, occurring post-geomagnetic storms.
- The Van Allen radiation belts are high-energy particle regions circling Earth, with lightning being able to trigger electron showers into Earth's atmosphere.
- These high-energy particles are typically trapped thousands of kilometers away but may be dislodged by electromagnetic waves from lightning.
- The discovery of the Van Allen radiation belts happened during the early days of the space race with Explorer 1 detecting intense radiation levels near Earth.
- Two belts, the inner and outer radiation belts, surround Earth, containing high-energy electrons, protons, and ions, with the outer belt being more dynamic.
- Researchers revisited their understanding of Earth's inner radiation belt after unexpected observations showing high-energy electrons and their behaviors.
- Electromagnetic waves generated by lightning, like chorus waves, can influence the inner radiation belt, raising questions about electron presence and dynamics.
- Lightning-triggered electromagnetic waves interact with electrons in the inner radiation belt, connecting weather phenomena on Earth with those in space.
- The study's findings highlight the interconnected nature of Earth and space, showing how weather events and solar activity can affect radiation belts and electron behavior.
- Understanding these electron showers is crucial for spacecraft design and human safety in space as high-energy particles can harm equipment and individuals.
Read Full Article
21 Likes
For uninterrupted reading, download the app